The controversy

As with many new issues, many cachet makers were preparing to create cachets for covers (often First Day of Issue Covers) surrounding the new Girl Scouts stamp.

Then a letter went out. It was sent by Patricia A. Smith, assistant national director for the girl scouts. She stated the GSA had entered an exclusive agreement with Washington Press/Artcraft to manufacture and sell cachets.

Her letter went on to state that cachet makers could not “print or sell a cachet which includes any representation of the Girl Scout uniform, the word Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts USA or any other words or impression to the trade and public that your cachets are approved, authorized or sponsored by the Girl Scouts of America.”

Eventually peace was made between cachet makers and the Girl Scouts. Of course the US Postal Service intervened, and a second letter was issued by the Girl Scouts.